The backbreakers and Bites Podcast
EPISODE Three – Kayla HRacho
In this Episode Of The Podcast:
Contents
Show Notes and Highlights
About the Guest
About the Restaurant
Episode Extras
Featured Links
Show Notes and Highlights
Kayla Talks Growing Up a Multi-Sport Athlete (9:12)
Kayla talks beginning her athletic journey with field hockey, rugby, and boxing before discovering her passion for fighting at 23. Growing up as a tomboy, she often played sports with boys, fueling her competitive spirit. After failing her first year of college due to partying, she returned to school and graduated with a decent GPA. Inspired by younger fighters, Kayla trained hard in boxing, which led to her transition into MMA and the pursuit of a professional career.
Roots in Boxing (13:01)
Kayla credits her rapid growth in boxing to her coach, Marshall Kaufman, a legendary figure in the sport. She began boxing at 23, older than most fighters, and was initially unaware of the possibility of turning professional until a coach asked about her goals. Training at Kings Promotions with high-level coaching allowed her to develop quickly and compete effectively despite starting later in the sport.
On Her Faith (16:05)
Kayla’s belief in God has been a vital source of strength, helping her recover from losses and keep training. She emphasizes the importance of showing up to the gym every day, regardless of how she feels after a loss, reflecting her commitment to both faith and personal growth. Her belief has been crucial in maintaining motivation and resilience, especially during tough times in her fighting career. Kayla acknowledges that her MMA journey has been challenging, with her faith playing a key role in her perseverance and belief in her potential.
Educational Pursuits (24:44)
Kayla is pursuing her master’s degree in psychology, driven by a passion sparked by working with children with severe mental and behavioral disorders. She switched majors several times in college before settling on psychology, reflecting a journey of self-discovery. Her experience working with children in challenging environments helped her realize her ability to connect with and earn respect, deepening her interest in psychology. Kayla’s commitment to her education and career is motivated by her desire for a fulfilling life beyond her fighting career, demonstrating her long-term vision for the future.
fighting Aspirations (37:55)
Kayla aspires to compete at the highest level, including the potential for an atomweight division in the UFC or opportunities with One Championship. Starting her combat sports journey later than most, at 23, and transitioning to MMA has added to the challenge. Despite a tough start and a less-than-ideal record, she remains committed to improvement and believes in her potential. Kayla emphasizes the importance of being well-rounded, having developed her grappling and wrestling alongside her boxing, which she believes will enhance her chances in higher-level competitions.
Cornering Training Partner Gillian Robertson in Prague (46:36)
Kayla’s first experience cornering Gillian Robertson in her UFC fight in Prague involved providing support and encouragement. Having just returned from a six-week tournament in South Africa, she was asked to corner Gillian, showing her commitment to the sport. Kayla’s role was focused on camaraderie and helping with warm-ups, rather than tactical coaching. Gillian finished her fight in the second or third round, demonstrating her skill and making Kayla’s cornering duties easier, as she didn’t need to intervene much during the fight.
About Kayla Hracho
Kayla “Kayrock” Hracho, born on June 3, 1991, in Reading, Pennsylvania, started boxing at 22. She developed a strong striking foundation, known for speed and power. At 25, she transitioned to MMA, joining American Top Team (ATT) in Coconut Creek, Florida. ATT played a pivotal role in shaping her MMA career, refining her overall skill set.
Hracho recognized the need for grappling growth, so she focused on Brazilian jiu-jitsu and wrestling at ATT. Under expert coaches, she advanced her takedown defense, submission defense, and offensive grappling techniques. Her grappling improvements made her a more well-rounded fighter, allowing her to thrive in all areas of MMA.
With a record of 6 wins and 4 losses, Hracho has 1 knockout, 1 submission, and 4 decision victories. She has competed in promotions like Combate Global, facing fighters such as Jessica Solis and Claire Lopez. Hracho’s ability to blend striking and grappling made her unpredictable and dangerous in the cage.
Her fighting style is still rooted in boxing, but her enhanced grappling allows her to excel in MMA. Hracho has a strong clinch game, solid takedown defense, and submission awareness, complementing her stand-up skills.
Hracho earned a degree in psychology from Kutztown University and is pursuing a Master’s at Nova Southeastern University. She balances her academic and athletic pursuits, showing dedication and discipline. Hracho remains focused on improving her overall MMA game, aiming for continued success.
About the Modern Rose Cafe
The Modern Rose in Deerfield Beach, Florida, is a cozy café known for its inviting atmosphere and diverse menu. The café has earned recognition as Florida’s Best Café twice and is celebrated for its excellent food and service. It offers delicious food and drink options, including vegan-friendly choices. For brunch, guests enjoy avocado toast, egg sandwiches, and other hearty options. The menu also features vegan strawberry matcha boba and vegan bruschetta. Desserts at The Modern Rose are highly praised, along with signature coffee drinks and locally sourced teas.
The café focuses on high-quality ingredients, sourcing teas from local purveyors and global suppliers. Coffee drinks are crafted to perfection. The Modern Rose is popular for its welcoming ambiance, which patrons appreciate for both the atmosphere and service. Weekends can be busy, with some customers experiencing wait times for seating and food. Despite this, the café remains a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.